Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Google Android News Android Forums

Google Android News Android Forums

Samsung plans to fight injunctions using ‘all necessary measures’

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 04:18 PM PDT

After receiving a guilty verdict last week, Samsung faces the possibility of having several of its device banned in the United States. Today, the company has promised to fight Apple’s attempt to ban these devices, claiming “we will take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of our products in the U.S. market.”

A spokesman for the company told reporters that Samsung’s options included filing to stop the injunction, appealing if the judge grants it, and modifying its infringing products if necessary. It’s also been reported that Samsung officials have already begun discussing with wireless carriers about the potential need to remove or modify existing features that violate Apple’s IP in order to keep its products on the market. This would be the case with smartphones like the Galaxy S II, which is still being sold by several major US carriers.

The general consensus is that Judge Koh is likely to grant Apple’s request for injunction, considering she already approved a preliminary injunction against Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1. Despite this, Samsung has confirmed that it would file post-trial motions asking for a stay on the preliminary injunction, potentially overturning the decision.

At this point, Samsung is talking a lot, but isn’t providing any evidence to back up its strategy. With substantial funding and quality R&D, there’s always the possibility that the company can tweak aspects of its software to avoid infringement. However, a majority of the products violate Apple’s design patents and trade dress which puts Samsung at a crossroads. The initial hearing is set for September 20th, so it won’t be much longer until we find out which path the company chooses.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Microsoft SkyDrive now available in the Google Play Store

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 01:56 PM PDT

Microsoft told us last week that it would be available soon and they delivered. SkyDrive is now available in the Google Play Store.

Features

  • Access all of your SkyDrive content including files shared with you.
  • View recently used documents.
  • Choose multiple photos or videos to upload from your phone.
  • Share your files and photos – send a link in email or in another app.
  • Open your SkyDrive files in other Android apps.
  • Manage your files – delete, or create new folders.
Microsoft says it runs best with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich or above, but it will work with Android 2.3 and higher.  I’m a big fan of Dropbox, and I know there are a number of other storage apps out there, but the fact that Microsoft is giving 7GB of storage for Free makes it a little compelling. Hit one of the download links below to get started.
Microsoft_SkyDrive_01 Microsoft_SkyDrive_02 Microsoft_SkyDrive_03 Microsoft_SkyDrive_04 Microsoft_SkyDrive_05 Microsoft_SkyDrive_06

 

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Play Store Download Link

Motorola Xoom WiFi Soak Testers Get Confidential Email Indicating Another Update Is On The Way

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 01:32 PM PDT

 

If you’re a Motorola Xoom WiFi owner out in the US, it looks like you have a minor update to look forward to. We just got word that a survey has just been sent to the various soak/beta testers indicating a minor update to the existing Jelly Bean OS is definitely on the way:

 

Hi,

Thanks for joining the Motorola Feedback Network. We are inviting owners of the Motorola Wi-Fi Xoom (U.S. only) to participate in an early preview of a new software release, and provide feedback.  If you are not currently using a Motorola Wi-Fi Xoom, please excuse and ignore this email.

Click this link — https://___________ — to take the enrollment survey if you wish to take part. Note that you must be a member in good standing of the Motorola Owners’ Forums to be included. The registration window could close without notice so please respond as quickly as possible.

This is a confidential test under the terms of the Motorola Feedback Network. Do not post any details or information about this on any public sites.

Thanks — please understand that start times are always fluid. We ask for your patience if you register but don’t hear from us right away.

Matt
Motorola Owners' Forums
Motorola Feedback Network

 

Whatever the update may be, it looks like both MOTO and Google are looking to get it tested and rolled out ASAP. Keep it locked here with Talk Android and we’ll be sure to keep you posted on whatever it is this update may be.
Cheers Dave!

Motorola wants you to attend the Sept 5th ‘Motorola On Display’ Event

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 01:16 PM PDT

Being in the media I get to go to a lot of events and to be honest they are a lot of fun. Well Motorola is giving you the opportunity to be one of twenty-five winners that get to go next week’s Motorola On Display event on September 5th. Of course we can never be sure till it happens, but we fully expect the DROID RAZR HD and the DROID RAZR M to be announced.

All you have to do is go to their Facebook page, Like it, and simply upload a photo showing how much Motorola means to you. You also need to include a caption that consists of fifty words or less. There is one major rule in that you must be a legal resident of New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. You have until tomorrow night so hit the source link to get started. Don’t forget to say hello if you win!!

source: Facebook

Sub-$300 Lenovo IdeaPad A2109 packing a Tegra 3 processor now available

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 10:21 AM PDT

In the fast-paced tablet market, Lenovo is looking to follow the Nexus 7′s suit of offering an excellent product at a great price with the release of their new IdeaPad A2109. Not to be confused with the S2109, the A2109 has a smaller screen (9″) but makes up for it with higher resolution (1280×800) and a faster processor. The nine-inch tablet will rock 1GB of memory, a 1.2GHz Nvidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor, and 16GB of on-board storage. In addition, it’ll run Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), and include a Micro-HDMI port along with a 3.0 megapixel rear camera coupled with a 1.3 megapixel front-facing camera.

A Tegra 3 powered 9″ tablet for less than three bills? Count me in! I’d imagine we’ll begin seeing prices continue to dive as we get into the holiday season. Since manufacturers are already getting aggressive with their pricing, I can’t wait for those Black Friday prices!

source: Best Buy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samsung-Apple verdict could help Google with federal antitrust investigaton

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 09:51 AM PDT

There really isn’t much of a silver lining when looking at last week’s verdict that cost Samsung $12 billion in market value, but it could actually help Google. Google is being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission for antitrust violations when it comes to locking down search on Android smartphones and other applications. They are even negotiating with European regulators on ways to make the market more competitive when it comes to search.

Paul Gallant, an analyst as Guggenheim Partners research in D.C., thinks that since the jury thinks its okay for Apple to have exclusive rights to key technologies on the smartphone, then it’s possible the FTC may simmer down on its position with Google’s dominance in mobile search.

Gallant said, "Apple's patent victory on Friday has the potential to raise the cost of Android devices or perhaps even give Apple exclusive use of certain features or designs of handsets. The Obama Administration has been active promoting tech sector competition and has particularly focused on the risk that patent lawsuits present for mobile Internet competition. So we think the prospect of Apple becoming even stronger in mobile – along with Verizon's recent effort to rein in the power of Android and Apple by pushing Windows Mobile – should reduce the chance of the FTC deciding to impose new limits on Google's Android business.”

EU regulators are expected to announce a settlement in September, and the FTC as well, but not until the end of the year.

source: washingtonpost

 

BERO open source robot announced on Kickstarter

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 09:14 AM PDT

A small startup from New York city, Reality Robots Limited, has announced a new Kickstarter project to create a "multi-motor-wireless-animated-mobile-robotic-toy-platform." To control this device, dubbed "BERO," Reality Robotics is planning to create an open source app running on Android. The BERO is based on a Google Bug Droid robot that was observed during Maker Faire last year, albeit running with wires connected. The inventors have not been able to get a definitive response one way or another from Google regarding use of the Google Bug Droid form, so they are moving forward with some different shells.

Reality Robotics has developed six different versions of the BERO based on one's Kickstarter funding level:

  • BERO Basic – This one is not really a robot. It has a white matte finish plastic shell, but no motors or electronics. So it is basically a "desk accessory."
  • BERO BluetooTh – this model will be made from a matte blue transparent plastic shell. Two motors will be inside enable the robot to move around and 2 LED eyes. The ability to control the robot via an Android app using Bluetooth.
  • BERO Backer – Based on the BERO Bluetooth, this model adds three more motors. The additional motors enable movement of the left and right arms and allow the head to turn right and left. The BERO Backer will come in a matte white finish.
  • BERO Basshead – Very similar to the BERO Backer, but in a black matte finish, 2 LEDs are added to light up a pair of "headphones."
  • BERO Bling Silver Limited Edition – Another model based on the BERO Backer, this one will come with a shiny silver chrome shell. Yet another motor will be added that enables side to side motion for the torso. This model also gets both LED eyes and headphones and will have a built-in infrared optical navigation system so the robot can avoid running into objects.
  • BERO Bling Gold Plated Limited Edition – This is the same as the Silver edition, but in gold plating.

BERO models will come with the ability to playback sound files via an onboard speaker and amplifier, although it appears this will initially be limited to .wav files.

Reality Robotics hopes that with the successful Kickstarter campaign, they will be able to ship pre-ordered BEROs starting in late November and into early December. If you are interested in checking out more details or pledging your support, hit the source link.

source: Kickstarter

MetroPCS adds budget-friendly Coolpad Quattro 4G to its lineup

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 09:07 AM PDT

MetroPCS announced today the availability of the Coolpad Quattro 4G – the first phone with Coolpad Americas as a MetroPCS partner. The device is being described by MetroPCS as a “new, affordable” device for “cost-conscious consumers.” The phone’s specs won’t be setting any records, however that’s obviously not the intent here. The Quattro 4G will run Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), sport a modest 4-inch display, a 1GHz processor, and a rear 3.2 megapixel camera coupled with a VGA front-facing camera.

The phone will run $149, while the 4G LTE plans begin at $40 a month. Also for a limited time, MetroPCS is also is offering a $50 mail-in rebate on the second of any two 4G smartphones purchased. So you could effectively buy two Quattros for $248 after the rebate, which is not too shabby of a deal.

 

source: MetroPCS

Featured Play Store Newbie: Magic Academy 2: Mystery Tower [Gaming-Casual]

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 08:51 AM PDT

Magic Academy 2: Mystery Tower, by Nevosoft, is the follow up to the very popular Magic Academy: Hidden Castle. If you’re a Harry Potter fan or into enchanted legends, you will want to check this out. You play Irene, a young magician that would like to serve on the Magic Council of the Tirisfal Fortress. The problem is that a priceless treatise is missing and if it falls into the wrong hands, a demon that was banished long ago could be summoned from exile. So far the evidence points to your (Irene’s) sister. It’s up to you to start your investigation and find out who has been tempted by the ancient demon and has started negotiating with the powers of darkness.

In Magic Academy 2 you will have to find hidden objects and solve puzzles within the various mini games. The game play is easy enough for any casual gamer and the graphics are top notch. The game was actually developed by script writers, artists, and real-life wizards. It was their combined efforts that created a mysterious feeling and the magical aura of the Tirisfal Fortress.

Features:

  • Fantastic storyline
  • Dynamic gameplay: hidden object searches and puzzles unlock the adventure
  • Interactive spells
  • Charmed mini-games
  • Splendid graphics
  • Magical soundtrack

Magic Academy 2: Hidden Castle is free to play, but you can unlock the “full adventure” with an in-app purchase. It’s been out for only about a week, and it already has a 4.5 rating. Check out the quick video below, then hit one of the download links to get started.

 

Magic_Academy_2_Mystery_Tower_01 Magic_Academy_2_Mystery_Tower_02 Magic_Academy_2_Mystery_Tower_03 Magic_Academy_2_Mystery_Tower_04 Magic_Academy_2_Mystery_Tower_05 Magic_Academy_2_Mystery_Tower_Splash

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

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Play Store Download Link

Google Casually Advertises Its Nexus 7 Tablet On Its Homepage

Posted: 28 Aug 2012 07:58 AM PDT

 

In case you need more persuading to grab the superb Nexus 7 tablet (if you haven’t purchased one already), Google has gone ahead and provided a subtle way to get the masses to get out and purchase the tablet. As users log onto its homepage, they are casually greeted by a mini-Flash presentation which shows the Nexus 7 peeking out, while letting customers know “the playground is open”. Leave it to Google to always come up with some sneaky clever ways to advertise its products and services.

Again— if you are interested in grabbing what is hands down the best tablet available in terms of sheer value, you can grab the 8GB version for $199 or the 16GB version for $249 in the Play Store today.

 

Play Store link
Posted by at 5:47 AM

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